Torches: Safety and Setup for the Studio

Friday, April 5, 201910:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Cost: $175.00

Ready to solder faster with more precision? Try oxy/propane or oxy/acetylene small torches. This class introduces students to the versatile small torch - from pencil point flames to larger flames, this power house can solder projects as delicate as chain to as large as bracelets. They can be used with inexpensive disposable tanks available at hardware stores, or small refillable tanks that are easy to store. Students practice with several projects to adapt their soldering techniques to little torches.

What is the advantage of using a torch like a oxygen/propane or acetylene torch? These are the same torches used by professional jewelers for production, repair and custom work. Most of our students work with butane torches, but when we introduce them to the small torches they fall in love! Everything is faster: melting solder, soldering, annealing, etc. They can work longer without worrying about refilling the butane torch, and they can adapt the tips of the small torch to the job, from the hottest small flame to larger flames that can cover more surface area and melt up to 2 ounces of metal. These torches pack a lot of power in a small foot print. And, if you start with the disposable tanks, you can easily adapt them later to a small tank system just by changing the regulators. Just like a flex shaft makes polishing and stone setting much easier, these torches bring a whole new level of joy to soldering.

This class will also go over more information about torches, including acetylene/air torches, using oxygen concentrators instead of a oxygen tank, and hydrogen torches (which use water to make a flame).

Techniques covered:• Torch safety
• How to set up torches and tanks
• How to check for leaks and troubleshoot any problems
• How to use a small torch (like a Smith Little Torch or similar) with oxygen and a fuel gas (propane or acetylene)
• Adjusting your soldering when using a small torch

Everything included: class includes all of your materials for the projects to complete during class. Each student has a jewelry bench equipped with a set of tools to use during class.

Students registered for this course get a 20% discount on tools and supplies - including all of our small torch kits.